The Term
"Khaatamun Nabiyyeen" According to the Arabic LanguageThe
word 'Khaatam' can be read in
two ways: Khaatim and Khaatam.
The word
'Khaatim' means 'terminator' or 'seal', and the word 'Khaatam'
means 'last' or 'seal'. Thus, in
whichever way it is read the ultimate meanings are the same,
i.e. last of all categories
of Prophets.
Moreover, let us quote the opinion
of the eminent scholars in the study of the Arabic language regarding the term
"Khaatamun Nabiyyeen" in this particular verse of the holy Qur'aan.
Imaam Raaghib Al Isfahaani rahmatullahi alayh writes in his book Al Mufradaat, Page 142: 'And the seal of the Prophets', because he has terminated the prophethood, i.e. he has completed it (the prophethood) by his coming.
Allaamah Azhari rahmatullahi alayh writes in his book At Tahzeeb: 'Khaatim' and 'Khaatam' are from the names of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. And in the Holy Qur'aan: Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the apostle of Allah and the seal of the Prophets, i.e. last of them.
It is stated in Lisaan-ul-Arab: Whether it is 'Khaatim' or 'Khaatam', it means 'last of them'.
It is stated in Qaamoos: 'Khaatam' or 'Khaatim' is the 'last person' like the seal (which is affixed at the end of the letter).
From this word is the holy verse 'Khaatamun Nabiyyeen', i.e. last of them.
The same opinion (i.e. "Khaatamun Nabiyyeen" means the last and final Prophet) can be cited
in many more books written by high ranking scholars in the study of the Arabic language, e.g. Kulliyyaat-e- Abul Baqaa,
Majma-'ul-Bihaar, Sihaah, Taaj-ul-
Uroos, etc.